Many people on holiday or traveling the world, have the desire to try something new. Do something they would possible not get the chance to do back home. Something to create unforgettable memories. Scuba Diving is one of those things!
For some, swimming around underwater, whilst breathing from a tank comes very easy. For others it can be a real challenge. The idea of being 18m under the surface of water, can be very daunting. For some even breathing with their face in the water, in the shallow end of a swimming pool can create enough anxiety to make people consider if it was the right decision to sign up for an Open Water course.
The fact is, that person has shown this desire to learn to dive, if didn’t they would never have even stepped inside the dive shop, let alone into the water with the gear on. Im an Instructor, I have seen many times these feelings of anxiety, from people who just feel a little nervous about attempting a skill in confined water, to a real fear of attempting the dive and would like to quit the course. I, like most Instructors do not like to see people drop out of courses. If you want to learn to dive you can!
Dealing with nervous student divers is a common aspect in the role of a dive Instructor. Our job would be far too easy if every course, every person was completing each skill perfectly and with out any issues. There is real job satisfaction seeing someone who struggles to get the confidence to fight the anxiety, pass the course with flying colours. To see their smiles, and the pride as they have overcome difficulty is a real privilege.
People tend to put up barriers when nervous, the Instructors are here to help break these barriers down, fill the student with the confidence they need to tackle these issues. An Instructor must be patient, they must give the student time. Rushing a course with these students will only end in disappointment, and in most cases people will not want to continue. If you’re nervous about diving, talk to your Instructor, ask them as many questions as you wish. It can help the Instructor understand where the feelings of worry may be coming from and can help tackle these. Not only this but you can gauge if the Instructor has the patience to give you the answers you need and the time to get to know the students thoughts and feelings.
This is one thing i know all Instructors at DJL are very good at, the dive school boasts the ability to get to know the students on a more personal and friendly level, every student is part of the DJL family, and not just another number through the door. We have the time, the facilities and the patients to help people with all abilities and confidence to become scuba divers, If you want to dive, you can learn!!
Bob
